Chapitre 3 : The Prince of Alburg

Daylight was already breaking. Priscilla had to leave quickly. It was the first day of negotiations. Fortunately, they wouldn't begin until the afternoon. She slipped away quietly, letting Prince Théo watch her go.

" A lovely backside, indeed... . "

Morning arrived quickly. Luckily, she didn't need to make an appearance for anything. She managed to get a little sleep. In any case, the negotiations would proceed without her, that was her father's role.

Naturally, she informed him of what had happened via a letter. It wasn't until the sun was already high in the sky that she woke up, her hair completely disheveled. Her waking marked the arrival of the maids to dress her.

Within minutes, she was ready. She wore a lighter summer dress, though it still retained a regal air, featuring unique lace detailing. She gazed at herself in the mirror.

I look beautiful ! I wonder if Théo will like it.

Above all, she was still a young woman. That night had been just like something out of the romance novels she read. At its heart, her nation was in peril, and Prince Charming had appeared. What more was there to say ?

" Let's go for a stroll... . "

The mere thought of it gave her the energy to walk the grounds of the royal castle.

That held true until she ran into... .

" Princess Priscilla ! It is an honor to meet you. "

" Oh... Prince Léo ! "

He was unmistakable. Unlike the Prince of Dila, the Prince of Alburg had a more mature, yet fiercer, air about him. Dark, brooding eyes. Long, black hair, too. He seemed the exact opposite of Prince Théo.

He was wearing armor that reinforced his commanding presence. Priscilla greeted him as protocol demanded; the Empire of Alburg was the continent's dominant power. Territories, armies, and the economy.

They held the upper hand in every respect.

" No need for such formal greetings, Princess... I’m not going to eat you. "

Although he tried to speak with a touch of humor, it actually came across more like a threat. The young woman’s body trembled for a moment. It was obvious he was a warrior; every movement exuded raw strength.

It was not an appealing quality.

" Thank you, then... . "

" By the way... Prince Dila arrived last night, if I’m not mistaken ? "

She didn't have time to find a way out of the conversation before he spoke again. It was frustrating. After all, the whole situation wasn't her fault, she was simply hosting the source of the trouble. Even if she had wanted to welcome him, she wouldn't have viewed his presence favorably.

" Indeed. It seems he arrived at sunrise. "

Better to tweak the truth a little. He mustn't know anything about their secret arrangement. Prince Leo’s gaze was wary, like that of a wild beast. He was far from stupid.

" Hmm... I see. But placing one's trust in a stranger can be dangerous. "

She smiled gently, concealing her true intentions and thoughts.

I know what I'm doing better than you do. If my people are afraid, it's your fault. Lecturing me on life while you're invading a nation... what a joke.

" I will take your advice into account. "

She quickly walked away, striving to remain stoic without appearing cold or unapproachable. She would have to speak to him again at some point. Théo had asked her to probe the Empire's intentions, so... she was bound to cross paths with him again during these three days.

The day of negotiations unfolded without her involvement. These were moments that were both intense and required great attention to detail. Aside from the people from the three groups involved who were in that room, there was no one else around.

" I really ought to dress up nicely to meet Théo. "

That was her plan, to meet her unofficial fiancé. She wanted to know the status of the negotiations and whether the Alburg Empire had revealed any of its intentions, after all, that was the whole point of the talks.

She began getting ready. That was the life of a princess, every outing required a bit of preparation. This time, however, she had a thought.

" I could be a little daring... . This is the first time I'll actually get to use this lingerie. "

Her maids had given her some sexy lingerie for her eighteenth birthday to celebrate her coming of age.

" Let's see how it looks. If Théo likes my... backside, I might as well give him a treat. "

She was truly in a romantic, flirtatious phase.

Before getting dressed, she went to fetch the lovely lingerie set she had kept carefully hidden away. She studied her reflection in the mirror.

" Not bad, I think... let's check out my backside. "

She turned around to get a view from behind.

It wasn't bad at all, really. They weren't the most daring undergarments, either, after all, they were a secret gift from her maids. She couldn't just... accept anything and everything.

She slipped on a base layer before calling them in, ensuring they wouldn't see the undergarments in question. It took a few more minutes for her to get ready. She had chosen a dress that wasn't too heavy for the evening.

It was comfortable to wear. She left her quarters and headed toward Prince Théo's. She walked casually, as if nothing were amiss, aiming to make it look like she had simply stumbled upon her own temporary lodgings by chance.

But chance had other plans.

" Princess Priscilla... we meet again. "

She stopped abruptly. That was truly unfortunate timing.

Is this a joke ? I’ve run into him twice in one day without even trying.

It wasn't that she didn't want to make contact, rather, if she were to do so, she would prefer to choose a specific location and situation to gain the upper hand.

Meeting him like this would only complicate the interaction for her. Even though they were in Elba, he was the prince of an Empire. Who was the guest and who was the host ? That was the question.

" Indeed... quite a coincidence, Prince Leo. I assume the negotiations have already concluded ? "

He stood up from the wall ledge where he had been sitting. This time, he wasn't wearing his military uniform, but rather the more flexible, practical attire of an adventurer. She only just noticed the sword at his hip.

His outfit wasn't bad, yet he still exuded that cold, warrior-like aura. She had no desire to get close to him. And yet, she had to.

It’s for the sake of my nation !

" It’s only the first day. Hard to say anything for sure, but... were you heading somewhere ? "

She couldn't very well say she was on her way to see the Prince of Dila. That would be instant game over.

" I was just taking a stroll. The nights are pleasant here. "

" Oh, in that case, may I join you ? "

" With pleasure, Prince Leo. "